Several Democratic state legislators have done the same. West New York Assemblyman Albio Sires, until recently the top Democrat in the lower house, has taken casino money to fund his run for Menendez's former congressional seat. Other Democratic legislators who have accepted casino money for federal campaigns include state Sen. John Adler of Camden County, who is exploring a later U.S. Senate run, and Assemblywoman Linda Stender of Union County, who is seeking a congressional seat.

"It may be technically legal, but it's certainly unethical," Menendez spokesman Matt Miller said of Kean's casino contributions. When asked whether the principle applies to Democrats, Miller said, "That's the principle we believe in, but we're in a campaign against Tom Kean Jr."

Tom Kean must be squeaky clean if Menendez had to resort to a bogus attack that paints Linda Stender and other members of his party as unethical.